Celebrating Community with New Storybook Trail

United Way of South Central Tennessee (UWSCTN) officially opened its second Storybook Trail in Rutherford County on Monday, June 29th. This Storybook Trail is located at the Patterson Park Community Center in Murfreesboro, following the trail that opened in Smyrna in 2025.

In partnership with the City of Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation and the MGL Memorial Library, UWSCTN selected the book “We Share This Neighborhood,” by Dan Saks and illustrated by Brooke Smart to honor the local community. The Storybook Trail neighbors the new splash pad and playground installed at Patterson Park in the fall of 2025. This space invites families and neighbors to learn, play, and build community where we live.

What is a Storybook Trail? The Storybook Trail presents a children’s storybook on child-height panels along a short trail to promote adult-child interaction around books and nature.

“The Storybook Trail is proof of what we can build when we work toward a common vision — a community where everyone belongs and has what they need to flourish. At United Way, we know that access to spaces like this one can open doors for families and spark a lifelong love of learning in our youngest neighbors. We look forward to watching this trail become a beloved part of our community,” shares Kristen Swann, UWSCTN President and CEO.

The Storybook Trail is made possible by the following partners: Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF), Ingram Content Group, City of Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation, MGL Memorial Library, and United Way of South Central Tennessee.

To learn more about United Way of South Central Tennessee and the initiatives to support youth opportunities, visit yourlocaluw.org.